2025 Guide: Best Psychology Master’s Programs in Canada:
Canada is home to some of the most respected psychology graduate programs in the world, offering students a chance to pursue clinical, counseling, and research degrees with global credibility and diverse cultural perspectives. Whether you're looking to become a licensed therapist, advance in academic research, or explore integrative approaches to mental health, there’s a psychology master’s program in Canada that fits your vision.
| University | Degree Program | Type | Format | Cost (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of British Columbia (UBC) | MA in Psychology (PhD stream) | Research | In-person | ~$5,506–$9,500/year |
| University of Toronto (U of T) | MA in Psychology (PhD stream) | Research | In-person | ~$8,500–$25,000/year |
| McGill University | MA in Psychology | Clinical or Research | In-person | ~$8,000–$18,000/year |
| Simon Fraser University (SFU) | MA in Clinical or Experimental Psychology | Clinical or Research | In-person | ~$5,200–$9,500/year |
| University of Alberta | MA in Psychology | Research | In-person | ~$6,800/year |
| University of Ottawa | MA in Psychology | Clinical or Research | In-person | ~$7,000–$18,000/year |
| Adler University (Vancouver) | MA in Counselling Psychology | Licensure-track | In-person or Hybrid | ~$42,000 total |
| Yorkville University | MA in Counselling Psychology | Licensure-track | Online + Practicum | ~$30,000 total |
| Trinity Western University | MA in Counselling Psychology | Licensure-track | In-person | ~$35,000 total |
| University of Calgary | MSc in Psychology | Research | In-person | ~$7,000/year |
This guide offers a practical comparison of ten standout programs across the country. We cover format, cost, specialization, and why each school may be the right fit depending on your career goals.
1. University of British Columbia (UBC)
Program: MA in Psychology (en route to PhD)
Type: Research-focused, not clinical
Cost: ~$5,506/year (domestic), ~$9,500/year (international)
Format: In-person (Vancouver)
UBC is consistently ranked among the top psychology schools in Canada. Its MA is a stepping stone to the PhD and not intended as a terminal master’s. Students specialize in areas like health, cognition, social, or developmental psychology.
The program is highly research-driven and best suited for students pursuing academic or scientific careers. It’s not designed for clinical licensure.
Website: UBC Psychology Graduate Program
2. University of Toronto (U of T)
Program: MA in Psychology (PhD track)
Type: Research-intensive
Cost: ~$8,500/year (domestic), ~$25,000/year (international)
Format: In-person (St. George campus)
As one of Canada’s highest-ranking research institutions, U of T offers a competitive MA/PhD track. Areas of focus include brain and cognition, social/personality, and clinical psychology (for those accepted into the PhD clinical stream).
This program is best for students with strong research interests and a long-term goal of completing a doctorate.
Website: U of T Psychology Graduate Program
3. Integrative Psychology Institute
Program: MA in Integrative Psychology
Type: Clinical, optional track for licensure
Cost: $27,100
Format: Online with 2 in-person retreats
Based in the US, this online/hybrid program also accepts students from Canada. This innovative, 18-month program combines somatic psychology, trauma-informed practice, and functional medicine to prepare students for coaching-based careers in mental health. It is ideal for those who want to work in holistic private practice or community care.
Link: Integrative Psychology MA
4. McGill University
Program: MA in Psychology (PhD stream)
Type: Research-focused with clinical options
Cost: ~$8,000/year (Quebec residents), ~$18,000/year (international)
Format: In-person (Montreal)
McGill offers both experimental and clinical psychology streams within its MA/PhD program. The clinical stream is accredited and prepares students for licensure in Canada and abroad.
It’s a great choice for students interested in research plus eventual clinical practice. Bilingual students may benefit from the French-English cultural landscape of Montreal.
Website: McGill Psychology Graduate Program
5. Simon Fraser University (SFU)
Program: MA in Clinical Psychology or Experimental Psychology
Type: Clinical or Research
Cost: ~$5,200/year (domestic), ~$9,500/year (international)
Format: In-person (Burnaby, BC)
SFU’s clinical psychology program is CPA-accredited and prepares students for PhD study and eventual licensure. The experimental psychology stream focuses on quantitative methods, cognition, and neuroscience.
Students looking for a small, research-intensive setting in BC with a path to licensure will find SFU a strong fit.
Link: SFU Psychology MA
6. University of Alberta
Program: MA in Psychology
Type: Research-focused (with clinical at PhD level)
Cost: ~$6,800/year (domestic)
Format: In-person (Edmonton)
U of A offers specializations in culture, cognition, developmental, and social psychology. Their clinical psychology track begins at the PhD level, so the MA is ideal for students pursuing non-clinical academic careers or PhD preparation.
The school is known for high-quality mentorship and interdisciplinary options.
Link: U of A Psychology
7. University of Ottawa
Program: MA in Psychology (Research or Clinical)
Type: Research and Licensure options
Cost: ~$7,000/year (domestic), ~$18,000/year (international)
Format: In-person (Bilingual campus)
The University of Ottawa offers both experimental and clinical MA streams. The clinical program is accredited and includes supervised practica and internship preparation.
As a bilingual institution, the program offers courses in both English and French. It’s an excellent option for students seeking a licensure-track path in a multicultural context.
Link: UOttawa Psychology
8. Adler University (Vancouver Campus)
Program: MA in Counselling Psychology
Type: Licensure-track
Cost: ~$42,000 CAD total
Format: In-person or hybrid
Adler’s program is designed for students who want to become licensed counselors or psychotherapists in Canada. The curriculum includes practicum placements, trauma theory, ethics, and multicultural practice.
It’s a good fit for those seeking hands-on training and a holistic, social justice-oriented education.
Link: Adler University Vancouver
9. Yorkville University
Program: MA in Counselling Psychology
Type: Licensure-track (non-thesis)
Cost: ~$30,000 CAD
Format: 100% Online with in-person practicum
Yorkville’s online MA is one of the most accessible pathways to licensure as a therapist in Canada. It is popular with working professionals and second-career students.
While it doesn’t focus on research, it meets regulatory standards for licensure in many provinces, including BC and Ontario.
Link: Yorkville MACP
10. Trinity Western University
Program: MA in Counselling Psychology
Type: Licensure-track
Cost: ~$35,000 CAD total
Format: In-person (Langley, BC)
TWU offers a values-based education rooted in relational and spiritual integration. The program includes a thesis option and prepares students for licensure as RCCs or registered psychologists (depending on province).
Ideal for students seeking a faith-informed counseling education with rigorous clinical training.
11. University of Calgary
Program: MSc in Psychology
Type: Research-focused (clinical begins at PhD)
Cost: ~$7,000/year (domestic)
Format: In-person (Calgary, AB)
UCalgary’s MSc program is focused on experimental psychology, with strengths in brain and cognition, health psychology, and behavioral neuroscience. Clinical psychology is only available at the doctoral level.
It’s a strong option for students preparing for a PhD or applied research career.
Link: UCalgary Psychology
Final Thoughts
Canada offers a broad range of psychology master’s programs tailored to both academic and clinical pathways. From research-intensive MA tracks at UBC and Toronto to hands-on counseling degrees at Adler and Yorkville, there’s a program to fit your calling.
When choosing a program, ask: Do I want licensure? A PhD track? Online flexibility? Bilingual immersion? The best program is one that aligns with your purpose, pace, and personal approach to healing.
For those looking to integrate body-based, trauma-informed, and spiritual tools into their work, you may also explore options like the MA in Integrative Psychology, which offers a flexible coaching-oriented alternative grounded in holistic mental health.